FRESNO, Calif. – Down three significant contributors, and then down a fourth after 90 seconds, Fresno State hung tough against UNLV on Wednesday night before falling 67-65 at the Save Mart Center. Leo Colimerio boosted the Bulldogs' offense scoring a career-high 30 points.
Colimerio was 10-of-13 on the night, knocking down both of his attempts from 3, and going 8-of-9 from the charity stripe. Xavier Dusell added 14 points.
UNLV's starters were each in double figures while getting just two points from its bench compared to the Bulldogs' 35 from the bench.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Already thin, 90 seconds into the game, Fresno State was forced to adjust after an ankle injury sent Enoch Boakye to the locker room. UNLV led from the jump, building its lead up to seven midway through the half.
Sitting on six points, Leo Colimerio continued to be the spark the Bulldogs' needed, scoring another eight points in a 10-1 run in less than two minutes to grab a 23-21 advantage. The Runnin' Rebels briefly retook the lead but the 'Dogs finished the half 9-4 to take a 32-29 advantage into the locker room.
Leading by one with 15:34 on the clock, UNLV hit an 8-0 spurt to match their largest lead of the night at 46-39. But just inside of 10 minutes remaining the Bulldogs pulled level at 50-all through a 6-0 run. UNLV then responded with an 8-3 stretch during the ensuing two minutes to go up 58-53.
Colimerio brought the 'Dogs back with five straight points to pull Fresno State within two at 62-60. Following a pair at the line from Dedan Thomas Jr. that put UNLV up four, the Bulldogs could only get as close as one in the final minutes. A last second effort from the corner fell short.
NOTES
Fresno State was held below 70 points for the fourth straight game.
Fresno State is 5-5 in games decided by five points or less.
Fresno State had a season-low six turnovers.
Fresno State held UNLV to one made 3-pointer. It was just the second time this season that a Bulldog opponent made just one 3-pointer.
Leo Colimerio scored a season-high 16 in the first half.
Colimero finished with a career-high 30 points. It surpassed the previous high of 19 that he had on Feb. 18, 2023 vs. Colorado State.
It was the first 30-point game of the season for the 'Dogs, and first since Jamarl Baker Jr. had 43 points on March 4, 2023.
Xavier DuSell recorded his 15th double-digit scoring game of the season with 14 points.
Isaiah Hill dished out seven assists, his ninth game with at least seven assists during conference play.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will head back out on the road, traveling to Boise State on Saturday. Tipoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. PT and will air on CBS Sports Network.